Photo credit: globalnews.ca
The Manitoba government anticipates that redesigned plans for a crucial flood prevention initiative will be finalized later in the year. This development follows the province’s request to the federal government to pause environmental assessments in order to engage more effectively with local First Nations regarding their concerns.
The flood prevention project involves the construction of outlet channels connecting Lake Manitoba to Lake St. Martin and then to Lake Winnipeg. The project was prominently featured in the recent budget released by the NDP government, which allocates $809 million for a variety of infrastructure endeavors, prominently including the channel construction.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor highlighted that a significant portion of this budget will finance ongoing consultations with affected communities. The proposed design of the outlet channels aims to alleviate water drainage issues; however, the new design could incorporate suggestions that address Indigenous communities’ worries.
First Nations have long advocated for substantial consultation on this project, criticizing the actions of the previous Progressive Conservative government for inadequate engagement. Leaders from these communities have expressed concerns about potential impacts on traditional lands and sacred sites.
Last June, the federal government supported the First Nations’ stance, with the Impact Assessment Agency noting that while the environmental implications of the project could potentially be mitigated, there would still be significant ramifications on Indigenous land utilization. Consequently, the federal minister indicated that the matter would be referred to the cabinet for deliberation, while the province opted to pause the process to collaborate closely with the communities involved.
Naylor stated that as many as 40 communities could be affected, necessitating extensive efforts to address their environmental and cultural apprehensions. Finalized designs for the project are expected by spring, but First Nations have yet to grant their approval.
Cornell McLean, chair of the Interlake Reserves Tribal Council and chief of Lake Manitoba First Nation, emphasized the importance of harmony among the stakeholders, remarking, “The Manitoba government seems sincere about trying to work with us, but we haven’t seen the fruits of that labour yet.”
Current efforts include the establishment of a memorandum of understanding between the Interlake chiefs and the provincial government, aiming to address some of the concerns raised by both the federal authorities and local communities.
While Naylor refrained from disclosing specific details about the prospective document, the project has remained a point of discussion for over ten years, particularly after devastating floods in 2011 displaced thousands. Although the former Progressive Conservative government vowed to expedite the project’s completion in 2016, they faced opposition from federal regulators and First Nations insisting on further dialogues.
A judicial ruling in 2022 confirmed that the Manitoba government had not adequately consulted with the affected parties prior to initiating preparatory work on Crown land, which included critical groundwater monitoring activities. McLean acknowledged the government’s proactive stance regarding the project but reiterated the necessity for genuine partnerships with the communities involved. “At this point, we’re agreeable to helping…but they need to honour their agreements too,” he stated.
The province anticipates that, once the project receives approval, construction will likely extend over three to four years.
Source
globalnews.ca